SAY WHAT - KICKING OFF THE YOUNG STARS CLASSIC

CalgaryFlames.com caught up with Cole Schwindt and Connor Zary after the team's first skate in Penticton ahead of the Young Stars Classic

Schwindt's response to being asked about the trade with Florida that brought him, Jonathan Huberdeau, and MacKenzie Weegar to Calgary

"Ever since the trade happened, there's been an outpouring of support from everybody. The C of Red is loud and proud and I cannot thank everybody enough for all the well-wishes. Obviously those two players are unbelievable and they're the centerpieces of the trade, no better feeling than to come over with them and share this moment with them - be etched in history with a blockbuster trade such as that. For me, there's still a ton of work that needs to be done before I can say I'm a major piece in this trade. It's exciting time for me and one that I won't forget."

Schwindt on his short time in the NHL and how it impacted his approach to the game

"I trust my trainer back home. We've got a plan set together for the next five, six years ... the gym stuff takes care of itself. I'm obviously trying to get bigger, faster, stronger as a skinnier kid. I could definitely put on some pounds. I felt like I did that this summer. The main thing that I took from the NHL is that everything is so fast. Everything is done to a tee and very few mistakes. It starts in practice, getting to practice with them one day there was unbelievable, seeing the way that everyone carries themselves and how much fun they have together while they're doing their job, it entices me to get there."

Schwindt on the Young Stars Classic

"It's an unbelievable experience for me. I think getting to put that jersey on for the first time will be a surreal moment. I'm looking forward to it. All the summer preparation comes up to this and I'm ready to put that to use."

Zary on the Young Stars Classic

"It's exciting, for sure. Especially to be back here in Penticton to do this Young Stars tournament, kinda get your feet wet going into camp and start the rookie camp and make an impression here. It's really exciting for sure."

Zary on his summer

"It was really good. Short but sweet ... a lot of focus on getting better, getting stronger, getting faster. I think that's pretty cliche but that's what you focus on every summer. I think things went well. I spent some time back home in Saskatoon, spent some time in Calgary. I think i put in the work and I'm ready to go for camp."

Zary on his strong second half of the 2021-22 season

"We all know that I didn't have the great start that I wanted with my ankle and breaking that right out of camp, being slow out of the gate and kind of playing behind the eight-ball. I have a lot of confidence in how I finished, how I developed my game and taking things to the next level, and then honestly just getting the summer to have a couple weeks to reset my body and get back into good game shape, feel good, get stronger, just reset everything to how it's supposed to be. I did some physio on my ankle, my hips and whatnot, get it all straightened out. I feel really good coming into camp."

Zary on developing mental toughness through the challenges of 2021-22

"I think what I went through last year, with some ups and downs first-year pro, starting 10 weeks behind and see your summer training kind of slip away when you get injured right at the start of training camp, you lose a bit of a step. The adversity and the mental toughness to battle back and find my game again, help the team push to a playoff run at the end of the year in the American League."